Along the top of the figure are Color Descriptions (Sheen, Rainbow, Metallic, etc.)
corresponding to oil thickness values that are generally used within the oil spill response
community. There is still some controversy over the precise thickness range that should
be assigned to a given color category, as well as the number and description of those
categories. However, these five categories and their corresponding thickness values are
consistent with recent studies (BONNEX, 2002) and with recent efforts to establish
common terminology among aerial observers (ASSIST, 2005).